“Volunteer firefighters rely on these grants to protect the citizens and communities they serve,” Maryland Forest Service State Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell said. “This program enables emergency personnel and first responders to acquire and maintain the skills and specialized tools they need to battle wildfires in rural areas around the state.”

The grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, requires a 50/50 match with a maximum award of $3,000. Volunteer fire departments can submit one grant application per year. Grant applications will be accepted until July 17, 2017.